Pfizer and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi hosted a high-level workshop to advance real world data in healthcare research

Zawya

28-04-2025

Abu Dhabi, UAE: Pfizer Gulf in collaboration with The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), hosted a specialized workshop titled 'Harnessing the Power of Real World Data in Healthcare Research,' as part of the strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two entities in 2024. The MoU underscores a shared commitment to strengthening Abu Dhabi's position as a global hub for healthcare innovation, by advancing real world data (RWD) capabilities and enabling data-driven, evidence-based decision making.
The workshop brought together more than 60 researchers, data scientists, pharmacists, and healthcare professionals from across Abu Dhabi's leading hospitals and academic institutions to explore how real-world evidence (RWE) can be leveraged to advance research, improve health outcomes, and enable more personalized care.
The event served as a platform to foster knowledge exchange and scientific dialogue, and to support Abu Dhabi's ambition to become a global centre for health and life sciences. Through the MoU, Pfizer and DoH are working jointly to enhance real world data (RWD) capabilities, with a focus on driving local evidence generation and building research capacity that addresses both national and global healthcare priorities.
Dr. Nadine Tarcha, Medical Director at Pfizer Gulf, highlighted the company's role in shaping the future of healthcare research through meaningful partnerships. 'At Pfizer, we believe real world data is key to generating insights that complement clinical trials and accelerate patient-centred innovation. Through this collaboration with the Department of Health, we aim to empower local research, strengthen evidence generation, and improve access to better health outcomes.'
The workshop agenda included a range of expert-led discussions on the use of RWD from national databases, differences between RWE and traditional clinical trials, study design and bias, regulatory considerations, and governance models for data access. A panel discussion was also held featuring representatives from the Department of Health, the UAE Genome Program, M42, and global Pfizer RWE leaders to explore the potential of Abu Dhabi's Trusted Research Environment in advancing scientific discovery.
This initiative is part of a broader effort under the MoU to foster long-term public-private partnerships that enhance Abu Dhabi's global competitiveness in biomedical research, genomics, and precision medicine. It reinforces both entities' commitment to advancing data-driven solutions that improve health outcomes in the UAE and beyond.
About Pfizer Gulf
At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety, and value in the discovery, development, and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments, and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments, and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 175 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us.
About the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi is the regulative body of the healthcare sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Committed to ensuring excellence in healthcare, DoH monitors the health status of the population while shaping the regulatory framework for the health system. This includes inspecting against regulations, enforcing standards and encouraging the adoption of world-class best practices and performance targets by all healthcare providers in the Emirate. Abu Dhabi remains dedicated to shaping the future of healthcare by establishing an intelligent and sustainable ecosystem that prioritises health, longevity and quality of life for all community members. Leveraging state-of-the-art infrastructure and cutting-edge capabilities, DoH continues to develop and implement initiatives and programmes in line with its strategic focus areas, Healthy Population, Best-in-Class Care and Resilience and Innovation. These efforts reflect DoH's unwavering commitment to predicting, preventing and personalising healthcare for every individual.